BLACKSBURG, Va. (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by critical stops and timely free throws, the North Carolina Tar Heels outlasted the Virginia Tech Hokies 66-63 in overtime Thursday night in an Atlantic Coast Conference women’s basketball game at Cassell Coliseum.

The Tar Heels, who improved to 22-6 overall, overcame a sluggish offensive start and a late Virginia Tech rally to secure the road victory. The Hokies fell to 20-8.

The most pivotal sequence unfolded in the final seconds of overtime. With North Carolina clinging to a 65-63 lead after two Lanie Grant free throws with 25 seconds left, Virginia Tech had a final possession to tie or win. Carleigh Wenzel’s potential game-tying 3-point attempt was blocked by North Carolina’s Nyla Brooks with seven seconds remaining. Wenzel secured the offensive rebound but her second 3-point try was blocked by Grant as time expired, sealing the Tar Heels’ win.

The game was a grind from the outset. Virginia Tech established an early lead, closing the first quarter up 18-14 behind efficient shooting from Carys Baker and Samyha Suffren. North Carolina’s offense stalled in the second quarter, managing only seven points as the Hokies took a 28-21 advantage into halftime.

The Tar Heels found their rhythm after the break, erupting for a 21-point third quarter fueled by Elina Aarnisalo and Indya Nivar to seize a 42-44 lead heading into the final period. The fourth quarter featured five lead changes. Virginia Tech’s Suffren tied the game at 57 on a layup with 26 seconds remaining in regulation. North Carolina had a chance to win it, but a shot clock violation on its final possession sent the game to an extra period.

In overtime, North Carolina never trailed. Aarnisalo hit a crucial 3-pointer early, and Nyla Harris, who led all scorers with 15 points, made two free throws with 1:27 left to give the Tar Heels a 65-63 lead they would not relinquish, setting the stage for the game-ending defensive stands.

Both teams struggled from the field. North Carolina shot 36.8% on 21-of-57 shooting, while Virginia Tech was slightly worse at 33.8% on 22-of-65. The difference came at the 3-point line, where the Tar Heels made 8 of 23 attempts compared to the Hokies’ 6 of 22, and in ball security, as North Carolina’s defense generated 10 blocks and five steals.

Aarnisalo filled the stat sheet for North Carolina with 13 points, five assists and a key 3-pointer in overtime. Nivar added 10 points, three assists and two blocks. For Virginia Tech, Baker, Suffren and Wenzel each scored 15 points. Wenzel also contributed two assists and two blocks.

The game was a significant result in the ACC standings. North Carolina entered as a 6.5-point favorite according to sportsbooks, but the Hokies’ defensive effort ensured a tense battle that defied the pregame point spread. The total score of 129 points fell under the projected over/under line of 133.5.

North Carolina next hosts Pittsburgh on Sunday. Virginia Tech returns to action Sunday at home against Georgia Tech.